Trails

All of our trails are earthen paths. Some are uneven due to their composition of rock and soil. We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes with rubber soles. 

Interpretive Guide Booklets for the Modesta Canyon Trail and Clayton's Overlook are sold at the Powell Visitor Center Information Desk.

Modesta Canyon Trail: (1.75 mile loop) A moderate to strenuous hike that starts out across 1/4 mile of grasslands, with a 200 foot descent into a narrow canyon with extrusive igneous rock on one wall of the canyon and intrusive igneous rock on the other wall of the canyon. At the bottom of the canyon are Texas Madrone trees, and a natural spring feeding into a couple of small pools which host a fragile ecosystem of tree frogs, salamanders and crayfish. The trail continues to Lion’s Head Hill, returning to the Powell Visitor Center along the upper rim of the Canyon. 

Clayton’s Overlook: (1.5 mile loop) A moderate hike that ascends 220 feet to the hilltop where you can take in a 360 degree view of the area.  An interpretative geology exhibit at the top of the hill provides a detailed description of the formation of each of the mountains in view, including excellent illustrations of the formations.

Outside Loop: (2.5 mile loop) A strenuous hike that includes  Modesta Canyon, Lion’s Head Hill, a spectacular view of a rhyolite quarry and Clayton’s Overlook. You get it all on this trail.

Upper Loop Trail: (0.5 mile) A moderate hike amid a variety of grasses.

Hummingbird and Butterfly Trail: (0.33 mile loop) Inside the Botanical Garden, among the outcropping of rocks just beyond the Pollinator Garden, is this easy hike providing pretty vistas and interesting rock formations.

​Guided Tours 

Guided tours of the Nature Center are available for groups (minimum 10 participants). We will schedule one of our volunteer Certified Interpretive Guides to lead your group on a tour of one of the following areas: the Botanical Gardens and Cactus & Succulent Greenhouse, Modesta Canyon, Clayton's Overlook, Bird Blind  or the Mining Heritage Exhibit.

When planning your visit, be sure to add extra time for loading, unloading, and shopping. 

Contact programs@cdri.org or call 432-364-2499 if you are interested in scheduling a group tour.